How big is the Mimic octopus?

Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) reaches 15–60 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Mimic octopus?

Mimic octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Mimic octopus?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Mimic octopus?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Thaumoctopus mimicus
Common name: Mimic octopus
Category: Molluscs
Family: Octopodidae
Genus: Thaumoctopus
Size: 15–60 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sand, mud
Behaviours: solitary, cryptic, predator
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Thaumoctopus mimicus reaches 60 cm. Extraordinary octopus with brown-white striped body, capable of mimicking behavior, posture and colors of at least 15 other toxic or dangerous marine species to escape predators: flatfish (Bothus), sea snake (Laticauda), lionfish (Pterois), jellyfish, mantis shrimp, anemone, crab, shell, etc. Discovered in 1998 in Indonesia. Lives from 1 to 30 m on sand and muddy bottoms of central Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Bali, Sulawesi). One of the most famous examples of dynamic mimicry worldwide. Legendary photo and video subject.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Mimic octopus?: Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) reaches 15–60 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Mimic octopus?: Mimic octopus is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Mimic octopus dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Mimic octopus?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Mimic octopus?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Octopodidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 342403)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4357171)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia